Welcome Back to Paradise

Chapter 15: Welcome Back to Paradise

A valet parking gentleman opens the door while I
step outside - in my 9 Inch sparkling heels - I see
white clad doormans attending a golden illuminated,
crystal door in front of a white building. The little
dark front yard is separated from the buzz on the
Sunset Strip by a high hedge. The magic is in the
air and for a moment I feel all eyes on me. I move
slinkily towards the "golden gates" and while the
doors are being opened for me at this very moment,
my companion holds my back when we enter the
fabulous Sky Bar & Club. White is the color of
everyone's outfit. So is the interior of the venue:
white, highlighted with golden accents. The
stunningly luxurious, but sleek furnishing is
magnificently arranged into a cozy sanctuary.
Gloriously sparkling chandeliers fill the air with
fabulous magic.
I soak up the glamour while inspecting the place:
attractivity, a highly vibrant, positive vibe and
strong confidence permeates this place and seem
to dominate the hearts and souls of these beautiful
party-people. It's all about to see and be seen.

While trying to maintain a conversation I am
distracted by this overwhelming "feast for the eyes".
Then, a drink is being put into my hand - French
champagne - of course. We stroll around to
discover this up-scale venue. A spacious patio -
fitted with a pool, a poolhouse and two bars - opens
up in front of us, and hosts a beautifully dressed,
vividly chatting and laughing crowd. Dimmed lights
create a magical atmosphere. While stepping out
into the crowd we are being invited to pose on the
red carped for a picture. I smile seductively into
the lens while the flashlight goes off. At this
instant I discover our friends hanging out at the
magically illuminated, turquoise blue pool...

More and more people arrive - it's 1 am. I spot two
stunning beauties dressed up in sexy angel costumes.
Their pretty faces all sparkling, their skimpy, lacy
outfits seductively exposing their lovely bodies. All
in white - of course.
As the time passes, the ladies and gentleman of
the night follow the beat of a relaxed sound spinned
by a DJ. A photographer makes his rounds to capture
these beautiful people, celebrating life to the fullest -
always in best style, of course. Appetizing nibbles
are being served to vibrant aficionados sitting around
little tables in the poolhause. Candle-light creates a
romantic atmosphere.
The moon and the stars shine bright in the mysterious
dark blue sky. From the patio I have a perfect view
over Los Angles. The night is young. I relish every
moment amid this buoyant Hollywood crowd at this
luxurious Hollywood venue. Another Tuesday night
passes by.

Some impressions of this magnificent event can be
found here:

http://www.frenchtuesdays.com/index.php?
page=photos&gal_id=601&pho_id=102002#
0_102002_601_ajax_tep

http://www.frenchtuesdays.com/index.php?
page=photos&gal_id=601&pho_id=102002#0
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http://www.frenchtuesdays.com/index.php?
page=photos&gal_id=601&pho_id=102002#0
_102012_601_ajax_tep

http://www.frenchtuesdays.com/index.php?
page=photos&gal_id=601&pho_id=102002#0
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http://www.frenchtuesdays.com/index.php?
page=photos&gal_id=601&pho_id=102002#0
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http://www.frenchtuesdays.com/index.php?
page=photos&gal_id=601&pho_id=102002#0
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http://www.frenchtuesdays.com/index.php?
page=photos&gal_id=601&pho_id=102002#0
_102149_601_ajax_tep

Yoga on the beach in Marina Del Rey

Chapter 14: Yoga on the beach in Marina Del Rey

A fizzy breeze of salty ocean air enlivens
my senses, I listen to the sound of the sea
while inhaling deeply. My gratitude is
endless for what I see and feel - I appreciate
every single second, every breath I take fills
me with joy.
On this magical morning in beautiful Marina
Del Rey I am going to do Yoga. The sun tries
hard to pierce through the Marine layer that
is quite solid this morning. Yoga is very
popular in fabulous Los Angeles. Saturday
mornings are virtually dedicated to this
fashionable workout, often combined with
Pilates or other types of gymnastics.
This is Los Angeles: a place, where beauty
and attractivity rule. L.A. is litteraly a hot
spot, where good looking people from all
over the world gather to pursue their
dreams of fame and glory.
Yoga - if done right - strengthens muscles,
trains and improves flexibility and relaxes
mind. After a decent Yoga class muscles
are loosened up, mind is free and body feels
much lighter. It's pure relaxation!
Dallas - my Yoga teacher - arrives on a bike,
accompanied by his puppy on a leash. His
Yoga class takes place every Saturday - here,
on the beach. I roll out my mat and sit down
on it. I inhale again the salty air while watching
seagulls gathering over a bunch of seaweed.
The mountains in Santa Monica are not visible
right now, a thick foggy layer covers them up
neatly.
The class starts out with decent stretching.
Dallas' routine is designed to work every single
muscle and burn fat. For one solid hour I entirely
focus on my body and breathing. After the class I
top off my workout with a light jog on the beach.
I savor the lovely morning to the fullest...

Sauna, Jacuzzi and a hot shower: this is how I
pamper my lovely body after a proper workout.
Following up with a protein/fruit shake and a big
organic salad - it's the perfect nourishment:
vitalizing and energizing.
It's Saturday morning, I feel fabulous. My
body is fully invigorated and my senses abuzz,
can't wait to soak up another lovely weekend -
in glorious Hollywood.

The Griffith Park and Observatory

Chapter 13: The Griffith Park and Observatory

High up in the Griffith Park Hills, from the Griffith
Park Observatory's spacious terraces, one has a
stunning view over glorious Los Angeles with it's
various neighborhoods - from this perspective L.A.
seems to be at ones fingertips. From glitzy West
Hollywood to hipster Silverlake to the hot Valley -
the main streets crisscross the city and define it's
perfect grid-pattern. This overwhelming view is
during daytime visibly overshadowed by a foggy
grey layer that covers the city's atmosphere. From
this height, the otherwise so splendidly turquois-
blue sky turns into an olive-greenish blue-grey
that unfolds above the roofs of the city's versatile
architecture and permeates the hot, stuffy air with
dark fumes.
Up here, one is privileged to look down on this
scenario: long streets with busy traffic and buzzing
L.A.-life. The ocean is invisible from here: the marine
layer hugs the coast all summer long, and embraces
the bay with a white foggy coat, providing a natural
air-conditioning to it's inhabitants.
But here, up in the Griffith Park Hills the beauty of
nature dominates the atmosphere: lush green, dense
woods set a sharp contrast to a bright sunny sky above
steep sandy hills. The landscape changes all the sudden
while hiking up to the Observatory. The air: so deliciously
fresh! A lovely breeze gently blows while the sun lovely
kisses skin and brightens up spirits. Eagles and hawks fly
their rounds and make themselves audible. It's peaceful
and quiet - who knew L.A. could be so natural?

Alongside this impressive landscape and stunning
outlooks, there is the educational factor to this venue:
the Griffith Park Observatory, with it's museum,
interactive exhibition and exciting laser shows - it's
entertaining and educating at the same time. Otherwise
the Griffith Park is a popular destination for joggers,
hikers, bikers, picnickers, golfers, bird lovers (there
is an aviary and a baby zoo) and it's where L.A.'s
famous "Greek Theater" is situated. This, tucked
away in the Griffith Park open-air-concert-venue
hosts popular pop, classical, reggae and rock
entertainment and is non-stop crammed - like every
other event and venue in fabulous Los Angeles.
Cheers to this lovely getaway spot!

From Los Angeles with Love

Chapter 13: From Los Angeles with Love

Brilliant sun-rays descend from a turquois blue
sky alluringly bathing the city in shimmering lush
colors creating a radiant atmosphere: In lustrous
Los Angeles sunshine is the cure of souls and the
nurturer of passionate hearts. Strong bright sun-
rays permeate every neighborghood, every heart,
every soul. Sunlight seems to be a vital booster -
inspiring creative minds, energizing, vitalizing,
pervading with love, happiness and lifting spirits.
Warm sunshine lovely kisses the skin, pampering
and cuddling the soul, energizing hearts and
coddling all senses - this is pure celebration of
life and The Place To Be!

One specific accessory Angelenos never leave the
house without is: sunshades. Sunglasses protect
their (highly-sensitive-to-esthetics-)eyes and gorgeous
faces and add a touch of glamor and mysteriousness
to their daily appearance. Another precautionary
measure is sunscreen. It's a must to apply sunscreen
lotion before entering the blazing streets of L.A. - let
alone before visiting the beach. Maintaining a young
impeccable, radiant baby-like skin as long as possible
is a vital factor among Hollywood types.

Angelenos are thankful for the resplendent energy
that comes from above - that's why they love to
linger outdoors, work out on the beach, discover
parks, swim lakes and hike mountains. Passionate
aficionados of L.A. and Orange County love fun in
all respects, love to indulge and celebrate the
delightful part of life to the fullest - under the
non-stop brightly shining sun of course!
Los Angeles and it's area has plenty of delightful
nature sights to present. Spontaneous, adventurous
L.A. peeps, craving to discover every neighborhood,
every beach, every hot spot - whether it's a fashionable
part of town or a gem of a lake high in the mountains -
can't wait to hit the road to indulge in their many-sided
hometown to the fullest - because they love to discover,
they relish and cherish and want to be entertained.

Landscapes are changing, neighborhoods are
differing: every spot is filled with a distinctive vibe.
The color palette of the scenery is endless as is the
diversity of Los Angeles' folks. People of different
nationalities and cultures gather here. They shape
and characterize L.A.'s neighborhoods. Here, art,
food and all kinds of businesses make a clear cultural
statement while freely celebrating it's culture.
Los Angeles is where people from all over the world
gather; this multicultural crowd may differ in all
respects - but one thing they all have in common:
the dream of fulfilling themselves and accomplishing
their "Los Angeles dream". Cheers to Los Angeles!